Tips For Choosing A Worktop For Your Kitchen

A kitchen worktop not only needs to be attractive – it also needs to be extremely durable. After all, it is one of the most frequently used and abused surfaces in any home.

Along with considering the strength of the worktop, you also need to think about its color and design. It should work well with the rest of the design elements in your kitchen. You may want to consider keeping up with the latest trends in kitchen design. For instance, not too long ago, black granite countertops were incredibly popular. Today, however, many homeowners are opting for other colors or materials instead. For instance, composite countertops are not only durable but they also come in a variety of different color choices. Similarly, modern laminates are designed to mimic the look of stone for a fraction of the cost. Concrete, stainless steel, and other industrial materials are also popular choices in today’s kitchens.

When budgeting for a kitchen renovation, make sure that your worktops are one of your top priorities. Because they get so much use, you should invest money in high-quality materials that are designed to last.

Popular Types Of Worktops

Quartz worktops like the ones made by Caesarstone or Silestone are becoming increasingly popular. These worktops are created by combining resin with crushed pieces of quartz. They are incredibly durable, resisting scratching, staining, and heat. Additionally, they are much easier to care for than natural stone since they don’t need to be sealed. Typically, these worktops come in solid colors without a lot of variation, making them a good choice for a modern kitchen. You can also find them in a variety of different colors, textures, finishes, and patterns.

Corian worktops remain a popular choice. Because they can be molded with heat, they can be crafted in just about any shape you can imagine. This opens up a lot of design possibilities. For instance, they can be designed in such a way that the sink blends seamlessly with the worktop, helping to create a smooth, sleek look. If they get scratched, they are relatively simple to repair. Additionally, they are also easy to take care of.

Granite worktops are still incredibly popular, largely because they come in so many different colors, styles, and patterns. Typically, they are priced based on the rarity of the stone. Common colors and patterns are relatively inexpensive, while less common types of granite tend to be priced a little bit higher. Marble and limestone are also sometimes used to make worktops. The primary problem with these materials is that they are quite porous. As a result, they need to be thoroughly sealed before being installed to help minimize the risk of staining.

Wood can also be used to create beautiful worktops. Typically, hardwoods such as ash, oak, walnut, maple, or beech are used for these types of applications, simply because they are more durable than other types of wood. If you decide to install wood countertops, however, you should educate yourself about how to properly care for them. They need to be sealed with oil to prevent staining and to keep them from becoming warped or damaged by moisture.

Worktop Appearance

When choosing a worktop, you need to think about how durable it is and how easy it is to care for. Above and beyond that, however, you also need to think about how it will look in your space. Worktops are one of the most prominent features in any kitchen. That is why it is important to choose materials that are not only capable of withstanding heavy use but that are also attractive. If you frequently use your kitchen or if you have young children, you should opt for countertops that are made from nonporous materials. These materials are less likely to stain, making them a good choice for busy kitchens.

If you want to keep the cost of your worktops down, you may want to consider using different materials in different parts of your kitchen. For instance, in the high-traffic areas that get a lot of use, you could choose durable natural stone countertops made from granite. In areas that get less use, you could opt for lower-cost laminate worktops that complement the granite.

For instance, you could combine a section of neutral-colored granite with a laminate countertop that is designed to look like natural wood. The combination of the two elements is not only practical from a cost standpoint but can also create a beautiful, multidimensional look in your kitchen. Stainless steel is another good example. If you put stainless countertops throughout your entire kitchen, it can make it look too clinical. On the other hand, if you mix stainless steel countertops with butcher block countertops, you can create a much more interesting, welcoming space.

Typically, the process of installing Corian worktops starts by first installing your cabinets. From there, the worktops can be custom designed to fit in your space. By putting the cabinets in first, you will have a much better idea of the exact placement of sinks and other protrusions. If you need to use your kitchen while your custom worktops are being made, you can ask to have a temporary wooden worktop installed.

To make your kitchen more functional, you may even want to look into some of the extras that are available in today’s countertops. For instance, you may be able to add special grooves into the surface of the countertop to encourage liquid to drain away. If you like the idea of being able to set a hot pan directly on your worktop, consider adding pan supports. If you are going for a worktop that is made from a material like concrete or stainless steel, you could even install a cutting board directly in the countertop, making it easy to prepare food without damaging the surface. It is well worth exploring the different options that are available to figure out which ones could make your kitchen more functional.

Visiting a kitchen showroom is a great way to get a feel for the latest trends in kitchen design. You can also explore the many different types of worktops that are out there to figure out which style will work best in your space.